Name: Chicken and Avocado Quinoa Salad
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 cup uncooked quinoa (or 3 cups cooked); 2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded; 1 large avocado, diced; 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh coriander or basil; 1 lemon; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 garlic clove, grated or finely minced; Salt and pepper, to taste

Creamy, zesty, and packed with protein—aka your new lunch crush

You know those meals that are ridiculously easy-sounding but then totally blow your socks off when you bite into them?

That’s this Chicken Avocado Quinoa Salad.

It’s hearty without being heavy, fresh but still cozy, and checks a bunch of delicious little boxes: low-carb, gluten-free, keto-friendly, and full of feel-good flavors.

We’re talking juicy chicken, creamy avocado, fluffy quinoa, red onion for that little bit of kick, and a lemony garlic dressing that pulls it all together like it was made for summer picnics or easy weekday lunches.

It’s the kind of meal I crave when I want something that feels clean but still totally satisfying.

And if you’re building a full lunch spread (because why wouldn’t you?), pair this bowl with a scoop of Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Dip and some crackers—you won’t be sorry.

A vibrant quinoa salad topped with chicken, avocado chunks, red onion, and parsley in a bowl. Text reads, "The BEST Chicken Avocado Quinoa Salad."

Table of Contents

What You’ll Need:

1 cup uncooked quinoa (or 3 cups cooked)
2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded or chopped
1 large avocado, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh coriander or basil, chopped (optional, but so good)
1 lemon, juiced (plus zest if you’re feeling fancy)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 garlic clove, grated or finely minced
Salt and pepper, to taste

Why You’ll Love This Salad Recipe

Protein-packed, creamy, and meal-prep approved

This isn’t your average salad—it’s more like a dreamy, filling bowl of freshness that just happens to be good for you too. Here’s why it’s a repeat player in my kitchen:

Keto-ish + low-carb: Thanks to the balance of quinoa, healthy fats, and protein, this salad fits into all kinds of smart eating plans.
Gluten-free, dairy-free, no added sugar: Just wholesome ingredients doing their thing.
Perfect for leftovers: Got roast chicken from last night? Boom. Instant magic.
Customizable AF: Add olives, cucumber, feta, or whatever you’re into.

And if you’re craving a side that’s light and colorful, this Mediterranean Chickpea Salad is the perfect match.

Think of them as salad soulmates.

A bowl of quinoa salad with avocado chunks, red onion, and parsley garnish on a grey cloth. A fork and fresh parsley are on the side, creating a fresh and healthy vibe.

How to Make Chicken Avocado Quinoa Salad

Just a few steps to fresh and fabulous

Step 1: Cook your quinoa
Rinse 1 cup quinoa, then simmer it with 2 cups water until fluffy (about 15 minutes). Let it cool—you can pop it in the fridge to speed things up.

Step 2: Prep the chicken
Shred or dice 2 cooked chicken breasts. Leftover grilled, baked, or rotisserie works perfectly.

Step 3: Chop the good stuff
Dice your avocado, finely chop red onion, and roughly chop your herbs.

Step 4: Make the dressing
Whisk together lemon juice, zest, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. It’s bright, punchy, and exactly what this salad needs.

Step 5: Mix it all up
In a big bowl, toss the cooled quinoa with chicken, avocado, onion, and herbs. Pour over the dressing and give it a gentle mix—don’t mash the avocado too much!

Step 6: Taste and tweak
Add a pinch more salt or a squeeze more lemon if it needs a little something-something.

A bowl of quinoa salad with avocado, parsley, and visible veggies sits on a wooden table, next to a gray napkin and fresh parsley sprigs, evoking freshness.

Storage Tips & Meal Prep Ideas

This salad is so ready for your meal prep lineup. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days, but leave the avocado out until right before eating so it stays fresh and green.

Ideas to switch it up:

Add in sliced cucumber, crumbled feta, or toasted almonds for extra texture.
Scoop it into lettuce cups for a low-carb taco moment.
Pair it with these Healthy Vegan Snack Ideas for a fridge-friendly lunch situation.

Nutritional Information

Approx. per serving (based on 4 servings):

Calories: ~420
Protein: ~25g
Carbs: ~20g
Fat: ~25g
Sugar: ~2g (naturally from lemon and onion)

It’s a deliciously low-carb, keto-aligned, gluten-free salad that’ll keep you full without any fuss.

A vibrant quinoa salad with diced avocado, shredded chicken, red onion, and herbs in a white bowl. Fresh avocado halves and parsley garnish nearby.

FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Just store the avocado separately and mix it in fresh before serving.

Is quinoa keto-friendly?
In small portions like this, quinoa can fit into a low-carb or flexible keto diet—especially when it’s balanced with protein and fat like in this recipe.

Can I swap the chicken?
Totally—shredded turkey, canned tuna, or even hard-boiled eggs work great.

What if I don’t like red onion?
Swap in chopped green onions or leave it out entirely—your salad, your rules!

A white bowl filled with quinoa salad, featuring shredded chicken, avocado cubes, and parsley. A lemon is blurred in the background. Text reads, "Easy & Healthy Chicken Quinoa Salad with Avocado."

A Creamy, Zesty Bowl You’ll Make on Repeat

This chicken avocado quinoa salad is the ultimate feel-good, flavor-packed meal that works for any season, any craving, any day of the week.

It’s creamy courtesy of the avocado, satisfying due to the quinoa and chicken, and all lightened up with that creamy lemon dressing. Basically, it’s got it all.

Serve it alongside a few Vegetarian Side Dishes for an easy family dinner, or enjoy it on its own when you want something simple but never boring.

No matter how you plate it, this bowl’s a keeper.

Yield: 4 Servings